Hey neighbors,
Big week ahead. The Manatee County Fair opens Thursday with free admission on opening night, Parrish Community High just earned its first-ever A grade, and there’s everything from campfire cookouts to kayaking lessons on the calendar. Here’s what’s happening.
What’s Happening This Week
Saturday Mornings at the NEST
Saturdays, January 10 & 17 | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Explore Robinson Preserve’s canopy boardwalks, climb to the crow’s nest, and check out the observation tower. Great for families and nature lovers. Free.
Where: Robinson Preserve, Bradenton
More info: mymanatee.org
Youth Archery
Saturday, January 10 | Morning sessions
Ages 6-16 can learn archery at Robinson Preserve. Equipment provided — just bring the kids.
Where: Robinson Preserve, Bradenton
More info: mymanatee.org
Sunday Polo
Sundays, January 11 & 18 | 1:00 PM (Gates 10:00 AM)
Polo season continues at Lakewood Ranch. Pack a picnic, spread a blanket, and watch world-class matches. The winter season runs through April.
Where: Sarasota Polo Club, Lakewood Ranch
More info: lakewoodranch.com/connect/events-calendar/
Lakewood Ranch Farmers Market
Sundays, January 11 & 18 | 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Ranked #1 Farmers’ Market in America. Local produce, artisan goods, baked goods, and more from 100+ vendors.
Where: Waterside Place, Lakewood Ranch
More info: lakewoodranch.com/connect/events-calendar/
Bradenton Public Market
Saturday, January 11 | 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Fresh produce, local art, live music, and free family activities in historic downtown. Runs every Saturday through May.
Where: Old Main Street, Downtown Bradenton
More info: bradenton.macaronikid.com/events/
Ranch Nite Wednesday
Wednesday, January 14 | 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Food trucks, live music, and line dancing under the stars. Free admission, family-friendly. One of the best weekly events in the county.
Where: Waterside Place Lakewood Ranch
More info: lakewoodranch.com/connect/events-calendar/
Kayaking for First Timers
Wednesday, January 14 | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Never been in a kayak? This beginner class at Robinson Preserve will get you comfortable on the water with experienced instructors.
Where: Robinson Preserve North Launch, Bradenton
More info: mymanatee.org
Orienteering 101 & 102
Thursday, January 15 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (101)
Friday, January 16 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (102)
Learn navigation skills using maps.
The 101 class is an intro; 102 takes you on a 2+ mile course. All ages welcome.Where: Robinson Preserve, Bradenton
More info: mymanatee.org
Fiorelli Wine Run 5k
Sunday, January 18 | 10:00 AM
Run through the vineyard at Fiorelli Winery. A 5k with a unique backdrop — and probably some wine waiting at the finish.
Where: Fiorelli Winery & Vineyard, Bradenton
The Main Event: Manatee County Fair Opens Thursday
January 15-25 | Manatee County Fairgrounds, Palmetto
The fair is here. Mark your calendar for opening night, January 15, 5-10 PM — admission is FREE, sponsored by Palmetto Build and Detwiler’s Farm Market.
This year’s fair celebrates America’s 250th Anniversary and features livestock shows, the Cow,boy Circus, Puppy Pals Live, and the Jurassic Kingdom Dinosaur Show. New this year: Battle of the Beats Drumline Competition featuring drumlines from middle and high schools across the county.
Entertainment includes Magic Man TJ Hill, The 301 Travelers, and Eric Von throughout the 11-day run.
Regular admission: Adults $10, Kids 6-12 $6, Military $6, Under 5 free.
More info: manateecountyfair.com
Good News From This Week
Parrish Community High Earns First A Grade
Big news for Parrish: our youngest high school just earned its first-ever A grade from the state. The achievement reflects years of work by students, teachers, and families building something special from the ground up.
The district also saw its graduation rate climb 3.4 points to 85.7%, with 20 schools earning A grades overall. Parrish Community High is leading the way.
Five Local Students Named National Merit Semifinalists
Five Manatee County students are now in the top 1% of high school seniors in the nation:
Kevin Chen — Braden River High School
Richard May — Manatee High School
Benjamin Barr — Palmetto High School
Pearson L. Walters — St. Stephen’s Episcopal School
Sarah Weis — SCF Collegiate School
They’ll compete for National Merit Scholarships this spring. Congratulations to all five.
$60M in New Facilities Coming to Lakewood Ranch
Three major projects are under construction and scheduled to open this year:
Athletics & Aquatics Center ($44.2M) — 2 pools, 24 pickleball courts. Opening September 2026.
Lakewood Ranch Library Second Floor ($6.9M) — Opens April 2026.
Sheriff’s Office Substation ($7.5M) — Opens October 2026.
East County swimmers will finally have a local pool for practice. That’s a big deal.
Scholarship Applications Now Open
The Manatee Community Foundation opened scholarship applications on January 1. Last year, they awarded nearly $265,000 to 96 local students. If you know a student heading to college, send them to manateecf.org/scholarships. Deadline is March 1.
Golden Herald Awards — Applications Open
High school seniors doing exceptional community service work: applications for the Golden Herald Awards are now open. This program has recognized young leaders since 1978. Deadline is February 13.
Volunteer This Week
Looking to give back? Here’s where you can help:
Beach Cleanup
Saturday, January 11 | 8:00 - 11:00 AM
Manatee Public Beach — supplies provided.
Community Cleanup Event
Saturday, January 11 | 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Parrish Community Park (Fort Hamer Rd) — free drop-off for furniture, appliances, tires, yard waste. Bring ID.
MY ROOTS Teen Volunteer Program
Ages 13-18 — Applications open through January 26. Earn 20 volunteer hours through service projects from February-April.
That’s the good news for this week. The fair opens Thursday — see you there.
— Good News Parrish
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